7 Must Know Names for Your Summer Playlist

Summer is the perfect opportunity to get out and try something new, from food and drink to music and events. This summer discover the exciting sounds of some of the most up-and-coming artists of the season. From the festival scene to the Ibiza strip, by the end of the summer everyone will know these seven names - and you’ll have heard it here first. You can thank us later!

Blossoms

If you like:Artic Monkeys, Oasis and Catfish and the Bottlemen

Who?This Stockport-based five-piece formed in 2013 and have worked to refine their distinct sound – and all from a scaffolding yard belonging to the bassist’s grandad! Self- proclaimed ‘working lads,’ the group has been on the radar of BBC Introducing since 2014, and has been described as ‘psych-pop with a 60s edge’. Regarded as one of Manchester’s most exciting new music exports, Blossoms are ranked 4th in BBC’s Sounds of 2016 longlist. Definitely ones to watch this year.

Where?T in the Park, Y Not Festival, Boardmasters

Shannon Saunders

If you like:Sigma, Jess Glynne and Sigala

Who?Shannon Saunders is a fine example of the YouTube generation. Having gained millions of views on her homemade music videos, she signed her first record contract in 2013. She’s recently been touring with Saint Raymond and has been on some of the summer’s hottest line ups including Park Life and Radio 1’s Big Weekend.

Heard her voice before? If you’re a Disney fan (we’re looking at you closet Disney princesses) you might recognise her vocals from Tangled, after she won a competition to record ‘I See the Light’.

Where?Secret Garden Party

AKA George

If you like:Imagine Dragons, Pacific Air, and 21 Pilots

Who?To draw comparisons with George Barnett and other artists is no easy task. Since discovering music, George has been at the cutting edge of the latest sounds, producing genre-defying records. George’s big break came when he covered Daft Punk’s ‘Get Lucky’ before the official single was released, racking up over six million views in its first week. AKA George has been described by many as a remarkable talent and we’re expecting big things from this Midland’s maverick.

Where?Fresh from his first appearance at Glastonbury, we’ll be watching this space!

Fatherson

If you like:Biffy Clyro, Bear’s Den, and Mumford and Sons

Who?The Glaswegian three-piece have been making waves in the Scottish music scene for a number of years but really came to the forefront after performing on the BBC Introducing stage at T in The Park 2012. The group has recently supported the likes of Panic! at the Disco, Twin Atlantic and Enter Shikari, and are making a name for themselves at festivals across the UK this summer.

Where?T in the Park, Bestival, Underground Festival

Zach Said

If you like:Old Usher, Jack Garrett, James Blake

Who?Soulful Shrewsbury vocalist, Zach was picked up by BBC Shropshire in March this year and has been tipped for big things in the industry. His acoustic sound is an amalgamation of different genres, from jazz to rap to heartfelt lyrics. Whilst it might not appear to work on paper, it is a marriage made in soulful heaven. Having already graced the Glastonbury stage this summer, keep your eyes and ears peeled for great things from this newbie to the scene.

Where?Indie and jazz venues across the UK - one to watch!

XY&O

If you like:Years and Years, Clean Bandit, and Bipolar Sunshine

Who?You won’t be in poor company if you’re a fan of these Exeter Uni graduates, Drake has announced his admiration for the alternative group and their pop-R&B sound. Their single, ‘Low Tide’ is basically summer in a song and it’s not hard to see why this Devonshire group secured themselves a place at Glastonbury this year.

Where?With two new singles out this summer check out XY&O on social for their latest updates.

Holly Lester

If you like:Skrillex, Annie Mac and Skepta

Who?Since the age of 14, Holly’s been honing her skills behind the deck determined not to simply blend into the background of the vibrant Liverpool scene. Holly’s signature style is a combination of her early influences - from drum and bass, to electro, to hard dance. Holly’s focus and drive has seen her secure residencies in Manchester, Liverpool and perhaps most notably, at Sankeys in Ibiza.

Where?Holly is currently resident DJ at Chibuku Shake Shake, Liverpool. Our advice see her sooner rather than later because soon everyone will be talking about Holly Lester.